New York: A Manhattan grand jury charged Donald Trump for paying Stormy Daniels hush money, making him the only former U.S. president to face criminal charges while running for office again.
The sealed indictment conceals the charges. CNN revealed Thursday that Trump faces over 30 business fraud charges.
Trump declared he was “totally innocent” and would run for president in 2024. He accused Bragg, a Democrat, of sabotaging his re-election bid against Democratic President Joe Biden.
“This is Political Persecution and Election Interference at the highest level in history,” he stated.
Trump then asked supporters for legal funds. Since he mistakenly predicted his arrest on March 18, his campaign has raised almost $2 million.
On Thursday, Florida Governor Ron Desantis and former Vice President Mike Pence supported Trump, the polling frontrunner for the 2024 Republican nomination.
“This will simply divide our country,” Pence stated.
Democrats argued Trump was not above the law.
“I encourage both Mr. Trump’s critics and supporters to let the process proceed peacefully and according to the law,” said Senate Democratic leader Charles Schumer.
A judge may unseal the charges. Trump must next drive to Manhattan for fingerprinting and other formalities.
A court official said Bragg’s office has coordinated a surrender with Trump’s counsel for next Tuesday.
Trump’s attorneys Susan Necheles and Joseph Tacopina pledged to “vigorously contest” the claims.
Trump’s legal problems include the Manhattan inquiry.
Last year, Bragg’s tax-fraud prosecution of Trump’s firm resulted in a $1.61 million criminal penalty.
A source says New York Supreme Court Judge Juan Merchan will preside over this case as well.
Trump may use the issue to enrage his base, but other Republican voters may tyre of the theatrics. In a Reuters/Ipsos poll released last week, 44% of Republicans thought he should step out if arrested.
